BTS member Suga marked a major step in his philanthropic journey with the launch of the Min Yoongi Treatment Center on September 30.
The new facility, established at Severance Hospital in Seoul's Sinchon-dong, aims to offer tailored therapies for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The center owes its existence to a $3.5 million donation that Suga made to Severance Children's Hospital in June. His gift represents the largest celebrity contribution in the hospital's history and underscores his commitment to advancing long-term care for young people with developmental needs. Although Suga was unable to attend the ceremony due to personal commitments, he shared a video message expressing his excitement over the dedicated space for "social therapy through music."
Leadership at Yonsei University Health System and Severance Hospital joined the celebration. Yonsei University President Dong-sup Yoon and YUHS CEO Ki-chang Keum presided over the ribbon-cutting, alongside Severance Hospital Director Kang Young Lee and child psychiatrist Keun-Ah Cheon, who will head the new center.
Professor Cheon described the project as "a dream realized," noting that Suga's early involvement extended beyond the donation. After reading Cheon's 500-page textbook on autism, he volunteered weekends from March through June, working directly with children and helping shape the center's signature program.
Called the MIND Program, the initiative's acronym stands for Music, Interaction, Network, and Diversity. It integrates musical activities, such as playing instruments, singing, and lyric writing, into group therapy sessions designed to foster communication, relationship building, and respect for individual differences. Within the center, state-of-the-art therapy rooms include soundproof music spaces, language and behavioral treatment rooms, and social skills group areas equipped with advanced acoustic insulation.
Art also plays a key role. Works by artist Lee Kyu-jae, who lives with ASD, will be displayed in the waiting area to create an inspiring environment for families. A multidisciplinary team of child psychiatrists, music and behavioral therapists, speech therapists, and clinical psychologists will provide personalized care that blends clinical treatment with creative expression.
Severance Hospital plans to expand the center as demand grows, potentially adding visual arts and sports components to complement the music-based approach. Professor Cheon anticipates that showcasing children striving for independence will boost public awareness and acceptance of disabilities.
Following his discharge from military service in June, Suga's return to public life has been marked by this meaningful initiative. Fans around the world have celebrated the center's opening on social media, hailing its efforts to leverage music's power for social good. With the Min Yoongi Treatment Center now open, Suga has taken a tangible step toward ensuring that children with autism have the support they need to flourish.
